Lauren Collins

7/20/14
Lesson Idea:
My first lesson idea would be to teach about the four major organic macromolecules found in
cells. Some of the important concepts related to the lesson include definitions of the macromolecules,
their locations within the cell and importance to the organelles they interact with, and the food sources
that we can use to get these macromolecules. The student product for this lesson would be a table
made in Microsoft Word. I would have them create a table with five rows and five columns. In the first
row, students will put the headings macromolecule, picture, definition, importance, and food
source. In the first column, students will list the four macromolecules. They will then fill in the rest of
the table with the corresponding information. Students could use their text books to look up
information or use reputable internet sources (no Wikipedia). To fill in the picture column, students
may use the ClipArt feature on Microsoft Word or use Google Image search to find pictures
representative of the macromolecules. Below the table, students will create a references section
where they will cite all sources, whether text or internet, that were used to gather information.
Grade Level:
10
Objectives:
Students should be able to list the four major organic macromolecules that are found in all living
things.
Students should be able to define the four macromolecules, explain each ones importance to
cellular processes, and list some of the ways living organisms can obtain them (which foods
would provide each type of organic macromolecule).
Standards Addressed:
Common Core Standards:
Tennessee Biology Standard 1 Cells

ISTE Standards:
3. Research and information fluency
b. Locate, organize, analyze, evaluate, synthesize, and ethically use information
from a variety of sources and media
5. Digital citizenship
a. Advocate and practice safe, legal, and responsible use of information and
technology
6. Technology operations and concepts
a. Understand and use technology systems

Problem Statement:
Lauren Collins
7/20/14
Begin by discussing what organic macromolecules are. Try to get students attention by
taking a bigger picture look to at why we/students should care about macromolecules. Remind
students that we only survive if our cells survive, and cells need these molecules. Then go
through the four major macromolecules, providing details on chemical structures, locations in
the cell, and importance to cellular activities. Then ask students what they think might happen
to cells without these molecules. Lastly, discuss some food sources that provide each type of
macromolecule and explain that this is part of the reason we all need balanced diets. From this
lesson, students should accomplish an understanding of the four major organic
macromolecules, why we need them, and where we can get them.

Description of Assessment Strategy:
Assess students learning by asking them to write an essay about the macromolecules.
The essay should have six paragraphs. In the introduction, students should define organic
macromolecule and list the four major macromolecules. In each of the next four paragraphs,
students should write about the specific molecules. Paragraphs should include the name of the
molecule, what food sources we can get it from, where it plays a role in the cell, and an
explanation of its importance. The final paragraph should be a summary and may include an
overall explanation of why the macromolecules collectively are important.

Example of Student Product:
Macromolecule Picture Definition Importance Food Source
Lipids

any of a class of
organic
compounds that
are fatty acids or
their derivatives
and are insoluble
in water but
soluble in
organic solvents
storing energy,
signaling, and
acting as
structural
components
of cell membrane
Meats, dairy
Proteins

any of a class of
nitrogenous
organic
compounds that
consist of large
molecules
composed of
one or more long
chains of amino
acids and are an
essential part of
all living
organisms,
especially as
Antibodies,
hormones,
enzymes,
structural support,
transport, storage
Meats, beans,
peanut butter
Lauren Collins
7/20/14
structural
components of
body tissues
such as muscle,
hair, collagen,
etc., and as
enzymes and
antibodies
Nucleic Acids

a complex
organic
substance
present in living
cells, especially
DNA or RNA,
whose
molecules
consist of many
nucleotides
linked in a long
chain
store and
transmit genetic
information that
you inherited
Formed in the
body, but can be
found in high
protein foods
Carbohydrates

any of a large
group of organic
compounds
occurring in
foods and living
tissues and
including sugars,
starch, and
cellulose. They
contain
hydrogen and
oxygen in the
same ratio as
water (2:1) and
typically can be
broken down to
release energy
in the animal
body
energy for cells,
structural support,
cell-cell
communication
Whole grain
breads and
cereals, starchy
vegetables